Does the Department of Mathematics offer courses with teachers in mind?

Yes, the Department of Mathematics is a national leader in the design and delivery of mathematics courses for teachers as evidenced by the fact that since 2005, 165 teachers have graduated with an MAT degree from the UNL Department of Mathematics.

The Department offers a variety of courses for elementary, middle level and high school mathematics teachers. While historically, most have been offered in the summer, many are now offered online. For more information on opportunities for K-12 mathematics teachers, contact Dr. Wendy Smith, wsmith5@unl.edu, 402-472-7259.

It is important to note that the mathematics courses offered for teachers through the MAT (e.g., graduate level mathematics courses for teachers) are not "make-and-take" courses comprised of projects a teacher might use directly with secondary students, as this would not be considered graduate level work. Rather, the mathematics courses seek to deepen teachers' knowledge of advanced mathematics, with connections to K-12 math curriculum.

I want to take a mathematics course

If you want to take a UNL graduate class, it is necessary to apply and be admitted as a UNL graduate student. It is possible to apply for admission as a non-degree post baccalaureate student, but if you at all think you may want a master's degree, it is better to apply directly for the master's degree. UNL used to have a program called Teach Nebraska, but as of April 2, 2018, that program has ended. Thus, to take graduate courses at UNL, you must apply to UNL as a graduate student.

I want to be able to teach dual-enrollment high school courses

Community colleges now have a rule that you have at least 18 graduate credit hours in mathematics courses, in order to teach dual enrollment courses (college algebra, calculus, statistics, etc.). The courses offered at UNL for teachers (800T-816T) do count as these mathematics courses. You can opt to just take 6 3-credit courses, or you can opt to complete an entire MAT degree (see below for more information on the MAT degree).

I am a certified K-12 mathematics teacher and I want to earn a Master’s Degree

the Master of Arts for Teachers with a specialization in the Teaching of Middle Level Mathematics degree (for any certified K-12 mathematics teacher).

Both options for the MAT degree require 36 graduate credits. While the program is quite flexible, coursework must constitute a coherent program of study that has been approved by the department’s Graduate Chair. The Memorandum of Courses is used for this purpose. Note also that you must earn credit for at least six courses (18 hours) in mathematics, and it is encouraged that you take 7-9 mathematics courses.

Some teachers who pursue the MAT degree also choose to earn a minor in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education. Transfer of some graduate credit from another institution is usually possible if the coursework is supportive of your degree objectives. Once admitted to the MAT program, you will be assigned a graduate advisor who will assist you in meeting the MAT degree requirements.

While it is still possible to earn a Masters of Science for Teachers (MScT), almost all teachers in recent years have opted for the MAT degree.

What mathematics courses for K-12 teachers are available?

The Department of Mathematics has a wide variety of courses for K-12 teachers, most of which can apply to an MAT degree. The following table shows mathematics courses with targeted grade level teacher audiences. Underlined courses are regularly offered as online versions.

K-3

3-9

5-12

7-12

9-12

Math 800P*

Math 800T

Math 805T

Math 810T

Math 809

Math 801P*

Math 802T

Math 806T

Math 811T

Math 814T

Math 802P*

Math 804T

Math 808T

Math 812T

Stat 812T

Math 803P

Math 807T

Stat 811T

Math 816T

Math 896**

Math 804P

*courses denoted by “P” cannot count as mathematics courses toward a MAT degree but can count as non-math courses.

**As courses for teachers are developed, they are first offered under the mathematical topics number 896. Many of the courses then become a part of the graduate program and receive a more permanent course number.

As noted, many mathematics teachers pursuing a MAT degree also pursue a strong body of courses (or a minor) in mathematics pedagogy. The following courses are among those taken by mathematics teachers in recent years.

K-3

K-8

K-12

7-12

TEAC 808A (K-3)

TEAC 890

TEAC 800*

TEAC 808E

TEAC 991

TEAC 808J (K-3)

TEAC 836B

TEAC 801*

TEAC 923

TEAC 880E

TEAC 907 (K-3)

TEAC 892**

TEAC 889*

TEAC 949A

TEAC 892**

TEAC 808E

TEAC 888

TEAC 892**

TEAC 813M

*required to minor in teaching, learning, and teacher education with an MAT degree, or to receive an MA degree through TLTE.

**As courses for teachers are developed, they are first offered under the Seminar: Special Topics in Education (TEAC 892). Many of the courses then become a part of the graduate program and receive a more permanent course number.

What courses should I take for a MAT degree?

The Master of Arts for Teachers is a flexible degree. To earn a degree in mathematics, teachers must take at least 6 mathematics courses. Typically teachers take 7-10 mathematics and statistics courses, with the complement being pedagogy courses in TLTE or Ed Psych. The tables below show model programs for the MAT (7-12) and MAT with a specialization Teaching Middle Level Mathematics (K-12). Below the tables are brief course descriptions.

MAT specialize TMLM

Math 800T

Stat 811T

Math 802T

Math 807T or 809

Math 804T

TEAC 800

Math 805T

TEAC 801

Math 806T

TEAC 880E

Math 808T

TEAC 888 or 890

MAT

Math 810T

Math 806T

Math 811T

Math 808T

Math 812T

Stat 812T

Math 809

TEAC 892

Math 804T

Math 814T

Math 805T

TEAC 880E

MAT Course Descriptions

Math 800T

Math as a Second Language

This course will help you align your teaching with the new Nebraska standards and the new Common Core standards in mathematics by focusing on the development of "habits of mind of a mathematical thinker". The approach is to understand arithmetic (number) and (introductory) algebra as a means of communicating mathematical ideas, and will stress a deep understanding of the basic operations of arithmetic, as well as the interconnected nature of arithmetic, algebra and geometry relating to the grades 3-7 curriculum.

Math 802T

Functions, Algebra, and Geometry

This course is designed to help teachers gain a deep understanding of the concept of function and the algebra and geometry concepts taught in the middle-level (through early high school) curriculum. Studying this content at a deeper level will help teachers better prepare their students for the NeSA-M. Participants also will study measurement with an emphasis on length, area and volume. NOTE: this course is not open to teachers with secondary certification except in special cases; this course is intended for those with elementary and/or middle level certification. You may not get credit for Math 802T after taking Math 810T or Math 811T.

Math 804T

Experimentation, Conjecture and Reasoning

This course focuses on problem solving, reasoning and proof and communicating mathematics. The overall goal for this course is to bring participants to the next level in the development of their mathematical habits of mind: A person who is an effective mathematical thinker has a toolbox of skills and knowledge to experiment, conjecture, reason, and ultimately solve problems.

Math 805T

Discrete Math for Teaching

Designed to deepen knowledge of discrete mathematics as it relates to topics covered in middle through high school curricula. Course topics (such as graph theory and counting techniques) are introduced through "hands-on" explorations through which various problem-solving strategies are emphasized.

Math 806T

Number Theory and Cryptology for Teaching

This course focuses on basic number theory results which are needed to understand the number theoretic RSA cryptography algorithm (an encryption algorithm which is in use today to secure information sent via the internet). The course emphasizes connections to middle level mathematics and promotes a deep understanding of the integers and their properties. Elementary methods for encoding and decoding are introduced to elucidate the nature of cryptology. These methods are readily adaptable as enrichment activities in the classroom.

Math 807T

Using Math to Understand Our World

This course will examine the mathematics underlying several socially-relevant questions from a variety of academic disciplines. Mathematical models of problems will be constructed and studied using a variety of topics and basic skills in algebra, functions, statistics and probability. Sources will include original documentation whenever possible (such as government data, reports and research papers) in order to provide a sense of the very real role that mathematics plays in society.
NOTE: Math 807T is not open to teachers who have completed Math 809.

Math 808T

Concepts of Calculus

Develops a fundamental understanding of the key mathematical ideas of calculus in order to broaden teachers' mathematical perspective and gain insight into concepts contained in the middle-level curriculum which are related and foundational to the development of calculus. Topics include limits, differentiation, integration, applications and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

Math 809

Mathematical Modeling for High School Teaching

This course is designed around a series of projects in which students examine the mathematics underlying several socially-relevant questions which arise in a variety of academic disciplines (i.e. real-world problems, such as how to use mathematics to understand the spread of a disease). Students learn to extract the mathematics out of the problem in order to construct models to describe them. The models are then analyzed using skills developed in this or previous mathematics courses.
NOTE: Teachers cannot receive credit for both Math 807T and Math 809.

Math 810T

Algebra for Algebra Teaching

The main goal of the course is to help Algebra I teachers better understand the conceptual underpinnings of school algebra, and how to leverage that understanding into improved classroom practice. Emphasis is placed on developing the habits of mind of a mathematical thinker. NOTE: If you did not take a modern/abstract algebra course as an undergrad, you may wish to take Math 802T first.

Math 811T

Functions for Precalculus Teaching

A study of functions in the pre-calculus, high school mathematics curriculum from an advanced viewpoint. Functions will be investigated by examining their utility in more advanced courses and applications, enabling teachers to better understand the important aspects and appropriate emphasis of a concept. Content will include polynomial, circular (trig), and exponential functions, and their connections to calculus.

Math 812T

Geometry for Geometry Teaching

A study of functions in the pre-calculus, high school mathematics curriculum from an advanced viewpoint. Functions will be investigated by examining their utility in more advanced courses and applications, enabling teachers to better understand the important aspects and appropriate emphasis of a concept. Content will include polynomial, circular (trig), and exponential functions, and their connections to calculus. The main goals of the course are to strengthen your mathematical background for teaching Geometry. We will focus on fundamental concepts of Euclidean geometry, with explorations of non-Euclidean geometry for contrast.

Math 814T

Linear Algebra for Teaching

Linear Algebra is intertwined study of linear equations and linear transformations. The geometry of lines and planes mixes with the practicalities of keeping secrets, planning production, and understanding data. In this course, learn how all these threads are linked together.

Math 896

Special Topics: Secondary-Integrated STEM

This course will engage 6-12 teachers in project-based learning experiences which integrate STEM in intentional and meaningful ways. Teachers also will develop the depth of content knowledge needed to implement various integrated STEM lessons in their own classrooms. In addition, the course will address effective strategies for further integration and implementation of STEM content. Note: Math 896 is a special topics course, and is sometimes offered with completely different content (e.g., in the past, this includes complex analysis for teaching, and differential equations for teaching). Up to three different versions of Math 896 can count toward a master's degree.

Stat 811T/812T

Statistics for Teaching

This course will cover the statistical concepts typically taught in a middle (811T) or high school (812T) Statistics class. These include: linear regression, two-way tables, sampling distributions, statistical inference for means and proportions, chi-square tests, and inference for regression. Some experience with basic statistical concepts (mean, standard deviation, elementary probability) is necessary. The course will be inquiry-based, and will emphasize applications and statistical thinking. Software and calculators will be used for most analyses. NOTE: Teachers cannot receive credit for both Stat 811T and Stat 812T.

TEAC 800

Inquiry Into Teaching and Learning

This course will introduce you to the assumptions about what counts as knowledge underlying particular approaches to scholarly inquiry and will help you identify the factors, forces and audiences that shape any and all forms of educational research. This course is an introduction to education research, and is usually offered in general online sections for teachers (not math-specific).

TEAC 801

Curriculum Inquiry

Focuses on building an understanding of mathematics curriculum development, including historical and contemporary issues that influence curriculum planning and educational change. This course is usually offered in general online sections for teachers (not math-specific).

TEAC 808E

Improvement of Instruction in School Mathematics – Secondary: Special Topics – Classroom Discourse

This course will engage secondary mathematics teachers in understanding classroom discourse and its relationship to student learning. Readings, discussions, and activities will provide opportunities for teachers to develop an awareness for how classroom discourse influences the opportunities we provide to students and to provide support for teachers in analyzing their own discourse patterns and their impact on student learning. One of the major components of the work will involve examining your own classroom discourse practices.

TEAC 880E

Teaching Mathematics with Technology

The focus of this workshop is on developing skills for using GeoGebra and other technologies in the teaching and learning of middle and high school mathematics. Topics found in PreAlgebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus courses will be emphasized. Geometry properties and theorems, functions, transformations, conics, data analysis and other mathematics topics will be addressed. Participants will develop interactive mathematics applets, map downloaded files to their curriculum, and develop an implementation plan of action. Note: there is also a K-8 version of this course.

TEAC 890

Responsive Instruction in the Elementary Classroom

The new Nebraska state and Common Core standards for mathematics are based largely on learning progressions. Thus, the aim of this course is to familiarize elementary teachers with mathematical learning progressions by utilizing a set of frameworks developed to provide teachers with a way to analyze student thinking and respond with instruction that guides students through the "next steps" needed to advance and deepen understanding. NOTE: this is open to elementary/middle level teachers only.

TEAC 892

Integrating Geometry Teaching and Learning

The course focuses on current research and practices of teaching, learning and assessing geometry from multiple perspectives. Participating teachers will be challenged to understand geometry at a deeper level and become more effective through improved lesson design, reflection, and collaboration.

TEAC 892

Integrating Mathematics Teaching and Learning

This course will focus on the learning and teaching of functions and other key ideas in the ideas in the high school curriculum from algebra to introductory calculus. The goal is to explicitly apply the advanced mathematics learned to the improvement of classroom instruction. The course employs a variety of technologies in a modified Lesson Study design that repeatedly cycles through (1) the learning of a concept, (2) the development of an exemplary classroom lesson about the concept, and (3) the improvement of the lesson through reflection.

TEAC 892

Teacher Learning about Reasoning & Sense Making in Secondary Mathematics

This course will focus on three main issues: exploring the nature of reasoning-and-proving in secondary mathematics; establishing criteria for judging the validity of mathematical arguments; and, developing strategies for modifying current textbook tasks to provide more reasoning opportunities for students. Course materials include math tasks, cases drawn from real secondary mathematics classrooms, related student work, and prompts for mathematical and pedagogical discussions and reflections. This is an excellent course to help secondary teachers make immediate improvements to their mathematics classrooms in order to better prepare students for state tests. This course is regularly offered online.

EdPs 892

Introduction to Education Assessment

This is a course in the theory and application of educational assessment. Main topics include test design, item writing, reliability, validity, and statistical analysis of test data, with an emphasis on practical applications of assessment in the classroom. An understanding of these topics can help teachers more effectively use assessment information to improve teaching and learning via “data-based decision-making.”

SOCI 898

Social Psychological Processes in the STEM Classroom: Activating STEM Identities

This class covers a broad range of social psychological topics and processes to help teachers better understand how social context impacts STEM learning. Students will learn about social inequality in STEM fields, and the individual, interactional, and institutional barriers to developing a science identity for youth from a variety of social locations (rural/urban, gender, race/ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, ELL). The class will learn about implicit bias, stereotype threat, and identity theory, and how they impact formal and informal social interactions and learning in the STEM classroom. They will learn and help formulated practical strategies to reduce their negative impact in order to broaden and widen student engagement in STEM.

Is the MAT degree available as an online program?

Yes. The Mathematics Department offers about 2 online math courses each fall, spring and summer. Most teachers in the MAT program take their mathematics courses in the summer at various locations in Nebraska; other teachers take MAT courses all or mostly online. We recommend teachers limit themselves to one course per fall or spring semester. Teachers may take up to four summer courses.Summer online courses are listed each year as part of the Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes schedule. You can filter the course catalog at this link to show only online courses. Typically at least four online courses are available each summer. See above for course descriptions.

Fall and spring online courses follow a rotation, with 2-3 courses available each fall and spring semester.

Summer 2018, Fall 2018, and Spring 2019 Schedule

Summer 2018

Fall 2018

Spring 2019

Math 807T

Math 802T

Math 804T

TEAC 880E

Math 811T

Math 812T

TEAC 800

TEAC 800

TEAC 800

TEAC 801

TEAC 801

TEAC 801

General Future Schedule: This schedule will occasionally be altered, due to demand for the courses and availability of instructors. The intent for most courses is to be offered every other year. In the table below, odd years means the course will be offered in 2019, 2021, etc. and even years are 2018, 2020, etc. TEAC 800 and 801 are generally offered every semester as online courses; the sections tend to fill up quickly.

Note: most online courses are NOT self-paced, and have assignments due throughout the semester.

Fall Alternating

Spring Alternating

Summer Alternating

Math 810T (odd years)

Math 804T (odd years)

Math 808T (odd years)

Math 806T (odd years)

Math 812T (odd years)

Stat 812T (odd years)

Math 802T (even years)

Math 805T (even years)

TEAC 892 (odd years)

Math 811T (even years)

Math 814T (even years)

Math 807T (even years)

TEAC 880E (even years)

How much does it cost? Are there fellowships available?

The quick answer to cost is "it depends". Tuition and fee rates vary for summer vs fall/spring courses, and for online vs in-person courses. Additionally, Nebraska residents have lower tuition costs than non-residents. The full information about UNL graduate tuition and fees is online. For a separate look at summer costs, information is on the NMSSI page. For Nebraska teachers, if you are in a master's degree program, the state offers forgivable loans through the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program which covers most of the cost of taking graduate courses, There is an application deadline approximately April 1 of each year, for courses that will be offered July 1 of that year through June 30 of the following year. For non-Nebraska teachers, most other states also offer similar programs.

Who can I talk to, to learn more about graduate opportunities for mathematics teachers?

How do I apply?

You must submit an application to Graduate Studies to be admitted to the MAT program or to take graduate courses as a non-degree-seeking student. Be sure to select the "Mathematics (MAT)" program as your degree objective when applying for admission to the MAT program. You may also choose the Teaching Middle Level Mathematics specialization while you are applying.

The MAT application to the Mathematics Department is now online, using the university's GAMES online application system. You will receive access to the GAMES system once your UNL Graduate Studies application is complete. In that system, you will be asked to provide:

Official transcripts from your bachelor's degree, as well as any graduate coursework. Note: If your undergraduate degree is from UNL/UNO/UNK, it is not necessary to request a transcript.

A letter of intent, stating your goals for your master's degree

3 letters of recommendation

Your teaching license (if you are not a Nebraska teacher)

Your resume (optional)

If you need a physical address for sending transcripts (this is sometimes this case if your transcripts are many years in the past), then please send your transcripts to: